Salsa Café Hits Westgate Road Swinging. - BudTones @ Salsa, September 21

Fiona Finden (vcl + ten), Stuart Finden (tnr), Dean Stockdale (pno), Jim Crimson (bass), Eric Stutt (dms) + unexpected but welcome guest Paul Gowland (ten)

(Review by Dave Parker)

This was the first gig at what we hope will become a regular Saturday night venue for jazz in Newcastle. I cannot be objective because I helped to organise the event. But neither can I lie ... It was a really enjoyable night of jazz in a venue with just the right ambience.

There were reminders of Crombie’s Jazz Cafe – wooden chairs, photos of jazz greats, the drum kit under the stairs – but it was warmer and cleaner. And there were The BudTones, a band that grew up in the Jazz Cafe, playing their hearts out. They knew a lot depended on this gig and they rose to the occasion.

BudTones played two long sets with a well chosen mix of standards and originals – nothing too obvious and nothing too scary. There was also a good balance of songs and instrumentals making the best use of Fiona’s mellow vocals and smooth tenor. Stuart’s tenor tone was exciting and edgy, taking the audience with him on every solo. Dean, on piano, provided subtle accompaniment and action-packed solos, with solid support from Jim and Eric on bass and drums that sounded warm, clear and precise.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, in walked Paul Gowland, unpacked his tenor and joined in. A real Jazz Cafe moment.

Salsa was crowded and it wasn't all familiar faces. Just like in a music film, a number of passers by had come in when they heard the music. This venue has the potential to widen the audience for local jazz. On the following Saturdays, Debra Milne, Safe Sextet, Gabriele mit Drei, Sarah Travena, Blue Jazz Quartet and Lindsay Hannon are booked – Come and enjoy local jazz in relaxed surroundings.

Dave P.